Chlamydia

What is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease. It is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.  It is often called a “silent” disease because symptoms are generally mild or absent.

Where is chlamydia found?

Chlamydia is found worldwide and is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases.

What are the symptoms of chlamydia?

About one in four men and 30 percent of women with Chlamydia have no symptoms. 

The symptoms of Chlamydia in men include: discharge, burning sensation when urinating, itching or burning sensation around the opening of the penis.

The symptoms of Chlamydia in women include: abnormal vaginal discharge, burning sensation when urinating, lower abdominal pain, lower back pain, nausea, fever, pain during intercourse, and bleeding between menstrual periods.

How is chlamydia spread?

Chlamydia is spread through sexual intercourse. It can also be passed on from a mother to her child during childbirth.

How can I keep from getting chlamydia?

·         Abstain from sexual activity or only participate in sexual activity within a relationship where your partner has been tested and is known to not be infected

·         Use a condom during sexual intercourse, which can reduce the risk of infection

If I’ve been exposed to chlamydia, how long will it take for symptoms to develop?
 

The initial symptoms of Chlamydia can occur between 1 and 3 weeks after exposure.

What treatments are available for chlamydia? How serious is the disease?

Chlamydia can be easily treated with the use of antibiotics. Although the disease is easily treatable, symptoms are not always present, so yearly testing for sexually active women under the age of 25 is recommended.

If untreated in women, the disease can spread to the uterus or fallopian tubes and cause pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Untreated Chlamydia can also lead to ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus) that can be fatal.

In men, complications from untreated Chlamydia are rare, but the disease may cause pain, fever and, rarely, sterility. 
 

How many cases of chlamydia have been reported in Kentucky?

In 2010, Kentucky reported 13,769 cases of Chlamydia. 

In 2010, there were 967 cases of Chlamydia reported in Northern Kentucky (Boone, Campbell, Grant and Kenton Counties).

Where can I get more information on chlamydia?

For more information online, you can visit the Centers for Disease Control at http://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/STDFact-Chlamydia.htm

Or, for more information and testing for Chlamydia, please call a county health center.